Help me choose a Summer-fun classic-car

[manalishi]

I've decided to get a small 'summer fun' classic. One to SORN for the Autumn/Winter months and stick in the garage with a dehumidifier. Seems the best time to buy these is January/February, when prices are lower, and people have post-Christmas bills to settle.

Problem: my garage is small - typical 1930s size, and it won't take a medium-size car. The idea of rebuilding the garage to take a bigger classic (like a W123 CE, etc) is ... ... a non-starter.

So I've been shortlisting little cars that tickle my fancy and make me smile. So far I have:
* Fiat X1/9 (Lido?)
* Honda S800
* Honda CRX (c.1990 version)
* Mazda MX-5 Mk1
* Renault 5 Gordini
* Renault Clio Williams

Any thoughts on the above? I'm aware of some shortcomings (had an X1/9 before and know about its inability to brake in the wet), but would like to hear as much as possible.

And any other suggestions? Has to be interesting, not British, and have some potential to be a future classic. All have to be manual and have some element of fun even if they lack outright speed).

I'm drawn to the X1/9 simply because so many have rotted away, and the early ones with small bumpers are so lovely.

 

[tagnut]

If it was me I think I'd be looking at soft tops or targa's only as it's just for summer fun.

Would also consider Lotus Elan and Toyota MR2

 

[wemorgan]

Alfa Romeo Spider?

 

[Howard]

CRX VTEC , although finding one that hasn't been Barried is becoming increasingly difficult. Unmodded ones in good nick are going up in value at the mo.

160 bhp from 1.6L , 8k redline , an absolute scream to drive !

My old one ...

 

[EDZ649]

MX5 is the best of that lot by far. My dad has one, a later model (04) and it goes round corners like it's on rails, he hardly ever has to brake!

 

[Ted]

Of the ones you have considered it HAS to be the mx5

The Fiat is a cracking car, but it is Italian and mid-engined. Not the best of combinations.

 

[spy]

I would go for the Mk1 MX-5.

I owned one of these (an R-Limited version) and I still regret selling it.

It was one of the best I owned, both from a reliability, retained value and fun to drive perspective. Highly recommended. Try and get one of the special edition ones and I think an import is preferable as they came with much more as standard such as air con.

Good luck with the hunt

Here is a photo of mine (gone but not forgotten):

 

[Mike Walker]

Ditto re tha post above. Currently thinking about buying one myself so le t me know how your search goes.

Try MX5Nuts forum for further info.

 

[mika]

MGB GT white 1973 ?
Its very small

 

[snoop51]

MX5 for reliability and fun. I bought one for the wife, she only drives about 3k a year. It started every 1st time every time, in fact it used to fire up quicker than my then 3 year old Mondeo TDCI even though it was 18 years old at the time. I do assume you aren't a big bloke though! I'm 6ft 2 and driving the MX5 with the roof up was like driving whilst looking through a post box slit. I only drove it a couple of times just not big enough for me really but good fun.

 

[Howard]

No one driven a CRX VTEC ?

On a par with the MX5 IMO

 

[bolide]

What about

* Golf GTi Mk I
* Renault Clio Cup
* BMW E21
* Porsche 944

Good examples of all of these are appreciating!

Nick Froome

 

[wemorgan]

I've been a passenger in both the first and second generation (del-sol) CRX, both the 1.6 VTi engines. Great cars IMHO. The del sol is not to everyone's taste, but the targa top makes it a good summer car.

 

[Howard]

Mk I GTi is a good call .... i had one of those too , but in cabrio form.

If i had a lottery win , a CRX and a Mk I Gti in factory finish would be in my collection.

 

[alhucoll]

Mk1 MX5 1.8ltr without a doubt - biased just a bit!
had mine for three years now, cheap as chips to play with, reliable and pounds per smile you'll never beat.
Had adjustable suspension fitted by WIM and the geometry sorted - runs on rails and never fails to put a smile on my face

 

[manalishi]

Interesting thoughts - keep 'em coming.

MX5 - agree about the driving experience. I had one (well, a Eunos Roadster import) about 10 years ago. Have been lurking around the forums to remind myself about them and was surprised to read that serious sill rot is now a big issue on Mk1s. Means I'd have to buy very carefully. A lot have been modified now, too.

CRX +VTEC is a must-try, although there's the modded lot and there seems to be a rust issue here, too.

MR2 somehow leaves me cold. Not sure why - it's probably an all-round better drive than the X1/9. Golf and 944 also don't appeal.

MGB GT is British. (Arguably, so's the MX5!) I don't want the same type of British classic that every pub bore's got. (half joking)

Is the BMW E21 small? Thought it was about W201-sized?

 

[SportsCoupeRich]

mx5 v. ubiquitous though?

944 or a 968 if fits?

 

[Ted]

DAMN! those wheels are sweet, Alhucoll!!

 

[Biglips]

Another vote for mk1 MX-5. Mine was brilliant fun. Chopped it in for a mini cooper convertible for the wife. Good car but Mazda beats it hands down in the fun stakes.

If you want something a bit different a Porsche 914 would be a good bet. Targa top and good looks. Left hooker only and not many around though

 

[manalishi]

The Fiat is a cracking car, but it is Italian and mid-engined. Not the best of combinations.

I know the words to that song! Bad maintenance led to a lot of running problems. My previous one was prone to bad warm starts due to vapour lock. turned out some spanner monkey had not replaced some heat shielding.

I also wonder if I'd get a good one, SORN and garage it for Winter and then find the first month or two each year was spent trying to get it running right again? Seems that there are people who have MegaSquirted their X1/9s for reliability, etc.